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Cell-wall deficient bacteria in inflammatory bowel disease
J P Ibbotson1, P E Pease, R N Allan
1Department of Genetics, University of Birmingham, UK.
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 1, 1987
Summary
Cell wall deficient bacteria were found in a significant number of inflammatory bowel disease patients. These findings suggest a potential role for these bacteria in the cause of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- The etiology of IBD remains incompletely understood, with potential microbial involvement being investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of cell wall deficient (CWD) bacterial forms in patients with IBD.
- To determine if CWD bacteria play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culture of CWD bacteria from tissue filtrates of patients with active and inactive IBD.
- Comparison of recovery rates between IBD patients and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- CWD bacteria were isolated from 40-60% of active IBD patients and 15-25% of inactive IBD patients.
- Recovery rates were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in both active and inactive IBD groups compared to controls (5-7%).
- No significant difference in recovery rates was observed between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Conclusions:
- A range of CWD bacteria are frequently detected in IBD patients.
- These findings support a potential etiological role for CWD bacteria in the development of inflammatory bowel disease.